Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic

Department: Operations
Reports To: Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, or Fire Chief

Position Summary

The Northwest Fire Protection District is seeking dedicated, highly skilled Firefighter/Paramedics to provide advanced emergency medical care and professional fire protection services to the communities we serve. This position combines the responsibilities of a licensed Illinois Paramedic with those of a professional firefighter, requiring sound clinical judgment, technical proficiency, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Firefighter/Paramedics respond to emergency medical incidents, fires, vehicle crashes, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, public service calls, and other emergencies. Members are expected to uphold the District's values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement while delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced Life Support (ALS)

• Respond to emergency medical calls and provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) care in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Regional EMS, and District protocols.

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and formulate appropriate treatment plans.

• Establish and maintain advanced airways, including supraglottic airway placement and endotracheal intubation (when authorized by protocol).

• Perform cardiac monitoring, 12-lead ECG interpretation, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and other approved ALS procedures.

• Establish intravenous and intraosseous access and administer medications within the Illinois Paramedic scope of practice.

• Manage medical, traumatic, pediatric, obstetrical, psychiatric, and critically ill patients.

• Collaborate with receiving hospitals and provide concise radio reports and patient handoffs.

• Assist with quality improvement initiatives and participate in continuing education.

• Complete accurate electronic patient care reports (ePCRs) and maintain complete EMS documentation.

Fire Suppression

• Respond to structure fires, vehicle fires, wildland fires, and other fire emergencies.

• Perform fire attack, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, water supply, and exposure protection.

• Operate fire apparatus, pumps, hose lines, ladders, hydraulic tools, and firefighting equipment.

• Utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and personal protective equipment (PPE) safely and effectively.

• Participate in pre-fire planning, inspections, and community risk reduction activities.

Rescue Operations

• Respond to vehicle extrications, technical rescue incidents, hazardous materials emergencies, and other specialized rescue operations.

• Operate rescue equipment and assist in scene stabilization.

• Participate in rescue training and specialty team operations as assigned.

Daily Operations

• Inspect, clean, test, and maintain ambulances, fire apparatus, medical equipment, SCBA, tools, and station facilities.

• Ensure readiness of medications, controlled substances, medical supplies, and equipment.

• Complete assigned station duties and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

• Participate in department drills, continuing education, and mandatory training.

• Represent the District professionally during public education and community outreach events.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete incident reports, EMS documentation, narcotic accountability records, equipment inspections, and training records accurately and promptly.

• Maintain compliance with District policies, OSHA regulations, IDPH requirements, EMS System standards, HIPAA, and applicable state and federal laws.

• Participate in quality assurance, quality improvement, and peer review activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Illinois Licensed Paramedic in good standing.

• National Registry Paramedic (preferred or required if applicable).

• Affiliation with Mercyhealth EMS (within 1 month)

• Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Basic Operations Firefighter certification.

• Valid Illinois Driver's License.

• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification.

• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.

• Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

• Current PHTLS or ITLS certification.

• Ability to successfully complete department orientation and probationary requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants possessing one or more of the following:

• Advanced Technician Firefighter

• Fire Apparatus Engineer/Operator training

• Incident Command System (ICS 100, 200, 700, 800)

• Previous career, combination, or volunteer fire service experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Deliver high-quality Advanced Life Support patient care using sound clinical judgment.

• Remain calm and make effective decisions during high-acuity emergencies.

• Communicate professionally with patients, families, coworkers, hospitals, dispatchers, and allied agencies.

• Operate ambulances, fire apparatus, rescue equipment, and medical devices safely.

• Work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating leadership and accountability.

• Maintain proficiency in advanced EMS skills, firefighting techniques, and rescue operations.

• Utilize electronic patient care reporting systems and department technology effectively.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Lift, carry, drag, or move patients and equipment weighing over 100 pounds with assistance.

• Perform physically demanding firefighting and rescue activities while wearing structural firefighting PPE and SCBA.

• Climb ladders, crawl, kneel, stoop, bend, reach, and work in confined spaces.

• Operate for extended periods in hazardous environments, adverse weather, and extreme temperatures.

• Meet all applicable medical, physical fitness, and respiratory protection requirements.

Work Environment

Employees regularly work in unpredictable emergency environments and may be exposed to:

• Fire, smoke, hazardous materials, bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, loud noise, traumatic incidents, and environmental hazards.

• Rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory callbacks, and extended emergency operations.

Employment Requirements

Final candidates must successfully complete:

• Background investigation

• Criminal history check

• Driving record review

• Drug screening

• Post-offer medical examination

• Physical ability assessment (if required)

• Verification of certifications and licensure

Benefits

Northwest Fire Protection District offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that may include:

• Competitive hourly wage

• Uniforms and personal protective equipment

• Department-paid continuing education and professional development

• Promotional opportunities, including future officer positions

Why Join Northwest Fire Protection District?

Northwest Fire Protection District is committed to building a progressive organization that values professionalism, leadership, and exceptional patient care. Members work with modern equipment, receive ongoing education, and play a vital role in protecting the community through both fire suppression and advanced emergency medical services. We are committed to developing future leaders and providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northwest Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.